Working with the Malawi Safe Motherhood Project in the Southern region of Malawi, we have delivered three eRanger Ambulances as part of a project to test the effectiveness of the Ambulance for the safe transportation of pregnant women to clinics or hospitals.

The Safe Motherhood Project has been ongoing since 1998 and has a phased approach covering 2-3 districts per year with a major focus on community participation in both planning and implementation.

The Ambulances have been operating for over 3 years and the initial results have proved positive with transportation times comparable to four wheeled ambulances, but with considerable savings in terms of initial purchase cost and ongoing maintenance due to the lower cost base and increased durability.

We have been pleased to note that no significant breakdowns have occurred and all maintainance is carried out by Safe Motherhood personnel. From the feedback we have received during the initial stages of this project, we have been able to incorporate design modifications to subsequent models of the Ambulance improving its suitability for transporting all patients not just pregnant mothers.

This project continues to reaffirm our commitment to helping develop local and sustainable service for rural communities.

The final research findings of the Safe Motherhood Project were released in January 2004 and based on a year's service 2001-2002. The report highlighted several interesting points relating to management systems and vehicle modifications to improve suitability for use within such a project. Recommended vehicle modifications have already been incorporated into eRanger Ambulance design and have been standard equipment for in excess of two years.

The report, which was designed and implemented independantly by the Safe Motherhood Project, funded by DfiD (UK Department for International Development), proves that the use of Motorcycle Ambulances is not only effective but affordable and appropriate for use even in the extremely hostile environment of the Malawi rainy season.

In addition to following recommendations on vehicle equipment, we have also taken on board recommendations on management of the vehicle service and developed advice to customers based on these findings.

Report findings In brief:

• Motorcycle ambulances significantly improve referall times to hospital
• Motorcycle ambulances provide huge cost saving benefits over 4 wheel drive ambulances in capital and maintainance costs
• Motorcycle ambulances can access all areas that 4 wheel drive vehicles can within this project area.

Obviously we are delighted with the findings of this report which confirms our confidence in the concept and engineering quality of eRanger Ambulances.